Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Feb 10: "The state government is committed to extend full support for the development of Konkani language and culture here. A decision will soon be taken on introducing a work by Jnanpith awardee from Goa, Ravindra Baba Kelekar, in the school text books," said state home minister Dr V S Acharya.

He was speaking at the valedictory function of the 19th All India Konkani Sahitya Sammelan held on the evening of Sunday February 8, in Bhandarkar's College Grounds. "Konkani Academy has been functioning in Karnataka. Even though there are 18 authorized languages in India, Konkani has succeeded in earning a unique place for itself, “he noted.

All India Konkani Parishad president and Rajyasabha member Shantaram Naik addressed the gathering.

Poet and Sammelan president Ramesh Bhagwant Veluskar presided. Goa Konkani Academy president N Shivadas, enterpreneur from Mangalore Raghunat Shet, Sammelan working president Gokuldas Prabhu, Sammelan Commmittee president H Shantaram, All India Konkani Parishad secretary Sadanand Kanekar, local municipal president K Mohandas Shenoy and Sammelan convener U  S Shenoy were present.

Tributes were paid to veteran Konkani writers and organizers at the function. Artist J B Kalaikar was felicitated. Prizes were distributed to winners.